From $250 Loan to Wall Street | Roanoke News

George E. Johnson Sr., the trailblazing founder of Johnson Products Company, has died at 99, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped Black hair care and culture. Starting with a $250 loan in 1954 alongside his wife Joan, he built an empire of iconic brands like Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen — the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange. Beyond products, his company became a cultural cornerstone, sponsoring Soul Train and embodying pride across Black America. Rising from humble beginnings in Mississippi to Chicago, he lived by the golden rule, values forged through early work shining shoes and in restaurants. In his 2023 memoir, he shared his journey as a divine calling — from street-level hustle to Wall Street influence. He also founded Independence Bank, served on major corporate boards, and gave over 1,000 scholarships through his educational fund, cementing his impact as a titan of business, culture, and community uplift. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/70734df52b9e3476